Cheesy Skillet Cornbread

This cheesy skillet cornbread recipe—served in its skillet so it stays warm—is packed with cheese, onions, corn, and flavored with bacon drippings.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated June 14, 2022
Elise Bauer
A Serving of Cheesy Skillet Cornbread on a Plate with a Fork and the Rest in a Cast Iron Skillet

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

This cornbread is packed with cheese, onions, and whole corn, and flavored with bacon drippings. Need I say more?

This recipe is inspired by a favorite of my friend Lynn from her The Southern Living Cookbook. Lynn likes to make hers with Shoepeg white corn. We used regular yellow corn and it turned out terrific. Perfect with chili.

The recipe calls for the cornbread to be baked in the oven in a cast iron skillet. We serve the cornbread at the table directly from the skillet, the benefit being that because the cast iron holds its heat so well, the corn bread stays warm throughout the entire meal.

A Serving of Cheesy Skillet Cornbread Lifted from Skillet of More Cornbread

Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker

More Recipes For Your Cast Iron Skillet

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Cheesy Skillet Cornbread

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Servings 8 servings

Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Baking powder over 6 months old tends to lose its leavening power.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 cup medium or sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup chopped onion

  • 1 cup milk

  • 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (warmed to liquid), plus 1 teaspoon to grease the pan

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 3/4 cup cooked corn, either fresh, defrosted frozen, or drained from a can

Method

  1. Preheat the pan in the oven:

    Place a 9 or 10-inch cast iron pan in the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Make the batter:

    In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Add remaining ingredients, and stir until just combined.

    Dry Ingredients for Cheesy Skillet Cornbread Whisked in a Bowl

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
    Cheesy Skillet Cornbread Batter in a Bowl with a Wooden Spoon

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
  3. Grease the hot pan and add the batter:

    Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven (remember the handle is hot!). Place a teaspoon of bacon fat in the bottom of the hot pan and swirl it around until it is all melted and coating the bottom of the pan. Pour the batter from the mixing bowl into the pan. Remember to put a pot holder over the hot handle of the pan and return it to the oven.

    Heated Cast Iron Skillet for Cheesy Skillet Cornbread Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
    Cheesy Skillet Cornbread Batter Poured into Hot Cast Iron Skillet

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
  4. Bake:

    Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let the cornbread cool in the pan.

    Remember that the handle is hot and will stay hot for quite some time. I recommend rubbing an ice cube over the handle to cool it down, just to avoid someone burning their hand if they attempt to move the pan before it has cooled down enough.

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below! 

    Cooked Cheesy Skillet Cornbread in Cast Iron Skillet

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
    Serving of Cheesy Skillet Cornbread on a Plate with a Fork

    Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
259 Calories
12g Fat
27g Carbs
12g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 259
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 56mg 19%
Sodium 506mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 2mg 8%
Calcium 348mg 27%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 197mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.